Frantic
/ˈfræntɪk/
Definitions
Feeling or showing a lot of fear and excitement, often because you are trying to deal with a problem.
/ˈfræntɪk/
Feeling or displaying a great or overwhelming fear, anxiety, or other emotion.
The child was frantic when he couldn't find his mother.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're late for a super important event, like a concert or a birthday party. You’re rushing around, feeling worried and nervous about missing it. That’s how it feels to be frantic! You’re in a hurry and kind of panicky because something important is at stake. For instance, if you are frantic about missing your bus, you feel anxious and worried.
👶 For kids: Feeling super worried and acting in a hurried way because something is wrong.
More Examples
The family made a frantic search for their lost cat.
I felt frantic as I realized I had missed my flight.
How It's Used
"She was frantic with worry when her dog ran away."
"The paramedics worked frantically to save the accident victim."
From Middle English *frentik*, from Old French frenetique, from Latin phreneticus, from Greek phrenētikós (of the mind, frenzied), from phrḗn (mind).
Historically, the word was used to describe a frenzied state of mind, often associated with madness or extreme emotional distress.
Memory tip
Think of a person frantically searching for something they lost. They're panicked and moving quickly.
Word Origin
"relating to the mind, frenzied"